Title: Simulation in agent-based control systems: MAST case study

Authors: Pavel Vrba

Addresses: Rockwell Automation Research Center, Pekarska 10a, Prague 155 00, Czech Republic

Abstract: This paper discusses the role of the simulation in agent-based control systems. It is argued that there is a call for a new class of agent-oriented simulation tools that combine the emulation of the controlled process/manufacturing equipment with the emulation of agent-control activities. It should contain a run-time interface connecting these two emulation systems that allows a smooth shift from the simulation to real-life control reusing completely the agent algorithms. The Manufacturing Agent Simulation Tool (MAST) and the brief description of its extension for the Cambridge packing cell testbed are presented as a case study.

Keywords: holons; holonic manufacturing; multi-agent systems; agent-based systems; materials handling; programmable logic controllers; PLCs; radio frequency identification; RFID; simulation; agent-based control; emulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2006.008794

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2006 Vol.8 No.1/2/3, pp.175 - 187

Published online: 25 Jan 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article